6 NOVEMBER 1915, Page 13

But though we have not given our assurances to Serbia

as graciously as we might, we are making them good, mid the Serbians must remember that it is our way always to do a good deal more than we say we shall do. John Bull instinc- tively dislikes talking about standing in shining armour by his friend's side. The most be likes to say is : " If you really are in a very tight place, I suppose I ought to try to do something to get you out, but it isn't easy." That alarms nations who have a different view of rhetoric from ours, but as a matter of fact it is with us the surest prelude to heroic deeds.